We’ve all heard about diabetes, been touched by the disease ourselves or know someone who has it. But do we all know exactly what it is? How about diabetes symptoms or types? If you’ve ever wanted to learn more, this section is for you.

What is it?

Diabetes is essentially a metabolism problem. With diabetes, there is not enough insulin in the body. Insulin is made in the pancreas and is needed to turn the food we eat into energy.

Normally, the pancreas releases insulin after food is eaten making blood glucose levels rise. Glucose is made when the food we consume turns into sugar, a.k.a. glucose. That glucose is then absorbed into the blood to use as energy in cells throughout the body. Our cells need this glucose to work properly.

For most cells, insulin acts like a key to let the glucose in to the cells. Once insulin (“the key”) opens the cell, glucose goes out of the blood into the cells, returning blood glucose levels back to normal. In a person with diabetes, glucose is absorbed into the blood after eating, but there is not enough insulin to allow the glucose to be absorbed for the body to function properly.

If we think of insulin as a key, in diabetes, the key to the cells (insulin) is missing. Without the key, cells do not get the energy they need and the glucose stays in the blood causing higher blood glucose levels than normal.

Normal glucose levels are between 70 and 100mg/dL if fasting or less than 140mg/dL two hours after a meal.

Now that you know the basics, click below to find out more about the types of diabetes and the warning signs of disease.

How do you get Diabetes

Symptoms

Contact Your Local Diabetes Specialist